London Irish coach Brian Smith has left the club with immediate effect © Getty Images

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London Irish have announced that Director of Rugby Brian Smith has left the club with immediate effect.

Former England attack coach Smith had been expected to stay in his role until the end of the season before heading back to his native Australia but the club said he had been released from his contract on compassionate grounds and will return to his homeland immediately.

Glenn Delaney, the forwards coach, will take on the role of interim Head Coach between now and the end of the season. He will be assisted by Richard Whiffin and Mark Tainton and the Club's Academy coaching team of Nick Kennedy, Declan Danaher and Paul Hodgson.

David FitzGerald, Executive Chairman of London Irish said, "London Irish is grateful to Brian Smith for the contribution he has made to the Club. He led us to the greatest experience we've had to date of European rugby and introduced some great players to the Club.

"We believe that, following Sunday's results at Madejski Stadium and Kingston Park, our Premiership status for next season is more or less secure and allows us to focus on preparing for next season. All involved with London Irish, especially the new owners, would like to personally thank Brian for his considerable contribution over the last two and a half years and wish him and his family well for the future."

Smith said: "My family has to be my priority right now which is why I have asked to be released from my contract early. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 year association with London Irish and will look back on my time with fond memories."

The club will announce a new permanent coach ahead of the new season and Declan Kidney, the former Ireland coach, is strongly tipped to take over while, as reported exclusively by ESPN on Monday, All Blacks prop Ben Franks is close to signing for the club.

London Irish are under new ownership and hope to emerge from a lean few years that have seen the club struggle in the Premiership and lose top talent such as Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and Marland Yarde.